Christians face immense violence from occupying militia groups.
bottom"One Sunday after the church service.. armed Fulani men stopped [my husband] and shot him. Christians are their preferred targets."
– Zakia, widow in Central African Republic.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been in constant conflict since 2013. Many of the factions (including the infamous Wagner mercenary group from Russia) involved in the decade-long conflict have been credibly accused of human rights violations, even as they now control much of the country.
Christian leaders who dare to publicly denounce the violence have been threatened, and their church buildings have been burned and ransacked.
Some of the anti-government militias target the Christian community, and in the many regions these rebel groups control, believers are at risk for abduction, murder, sexual violence, forced conscription, and other horrific treatment. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Christians who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The situation is made even worse because of the instability in countries around CAR. It means that Christians trying to find refuge from the violence often have to flee to countries that are also dangerous for followers of Jesus.
In addition to the insecurity and violence, converts from Islam also face pressure, ostracism, and even physical attacks from their immediate family members and local community. Believers risk discrimination in the workplace, forced marriage, and having their children taken away.
Christians in Northern and Eastern regions are most vulnerable to violent persecution. Despite a majority Christian population, Christians living in Muslim communities can be placed on house arrest in an attempt to isolate them from meeting other believers.
Women in CAR are especially vulnerable and can fall victim to sexual violence and trafficking. Economic instability has resulted in marriage in exchange for money, often to Muslim men force their wives to convert to Islam.
– For God to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in CAR.
– For believers to be protected amidst the violence and persecution.
– For provision for believers’ physical and spiritual needs amidst the instability
Open Doors works through local partners to support believers in the Central African Republic with persecution survival training, economic empowerment projects, and trauma care.
